Andy Burnham has become the UK's new prime minister, completing a remarkable journey from leading Greater Manchester to leading the country. As he took office at Downing Street, people in the city where he served as mayor shared their hopes for Britain's new leader.
Andy Burnham has officially become the United Kingdom's prime minister after accepting King Charles III's invitation to form a government.
The appointment marks a significant moment for Manchester, where Burnham spent almost a decade as mayor before winning the Labour leadership contest last week.
Buckingham Palace confirmed Burnham accepted the King's invitation to form a government and was appointed Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury, succeeding Keir Starmer.
His appointment came after Starmer delivered his final speech outside Downing Street, calling it "the privilege of my life" to serve as prime minister before travelling to Buckingham Palace to formally resign.
Speaking outside Number 10, Burnham acknowledged that he had become Britain's seventh prime minister since 2016 and admitted many people had lost trust in politics.
"I know people at home are fed up with politics," he said. "We have not been good enough and we need to be better."
The former Greater Manchester mayor pledged what he described as the biggest changes to British politics in 40 years, promising to shift power away from Westminster, rebuild the economy, support British industry, deliver more council homes and end rough sleeping. He also announced plans to publish a 10-year strategy for the country later this year.
In Manchester, where Burnham built his reputation as one of Labour's most recognisable regional leaders, many residents said they were hopeful about what his leadership could bring.
Graham Harrison, who said he is not a Labour voter, believes Burnham deserves time to prove himself.
"I think Burnham has done a reasonable job here in the North West," he said. "Now that he's got the role as prime minister, I'll give him three to six months to set down his building blocks."
Harrison said Burnham's biggest priorities should be growing the economy and creating more jobs for young people leaving education.
Leonard Merlim also expressed confidence in Burnham's leadership. "Andy Burnham has been really good for Manchester," he said. "I hope he can make Britain better than the previous prime minister. I believe he will do better for Britain."
As Burnham begins his premiership, many in Greater Manchester will be watching to see whether the approach that shaped his mayoralty can now deliver on the national stage.
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